Nokia’s Helping Hands Connects With Heritage Homes

By JUSTUS ADEJUMOH

Nokia, the world's largest manufacturer of mobile devices and a leader in mobile network equipment, solutions and services recently raised the bar in Corporate Social Responsibility when on December 17, 2008 it handed over gift items to the children of the Heritage Homes, Anthony Village, Lagos.
Mrs. Ngozi Ife Anene, Communications Manager Nokia Nigeria and West Africa, who made the donation on behalf of the Nokia Nigeria, described the gesture as part of the company's corporate responsibility aimed at improving the condition of living of the young, especially the less privileged.
“Helping Hands is a project where our members of staff are encouraged to engage themselves by reaching out to the community through service. All our staff dedicate a number of hours to helping out in the society and this is one of them. As a socially responsible global organization, we believe in giving back to the society.”
Anene also added, “At Nokia Nigeria, we believe in supporting children and young people because they are the future and have life. Where there is life, there is hope.”
In response, the Head of Welfare, Mrs. Bami Obasanya, thanked Nokia for the donation and called on other corporate organisations in the country to emulate the Nokia example.
“We appreciate Nokia and their kind gestures towards the children. It is also an encouragement to us caretakers of these young ones and a testimony of Nokia's love for and commitment to children. I am equally excited and happy that Nokia is sharing its joy with the home this Season”. Obasanya said about 16 children were resident at the home, adding that emphasis was now on sponsorships with a view to lift burdens of payments of bills and maintenance.
Heritage Homes Orphanage was birthed in 2002 and has 12 pioneering members. In September 2006, the first baby was brought in. The home has successfully saved 26 lives, placing children for adoption and fostering others. Eight children were placed with families through adoption in 2008. The home currently has 16 children ages ranging from 0-3 years.